Globe-trotting climate educators visit Alaska

ANCHORAGE – A global expedition working to share a firsthand look at climate change has made its way to Alaska.

Top to Top — run by volunteers under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme — travels the world by “human power and nature’s force.”

Switzerland native Dario Schowrer said he and his wife conceived of the program after noticing the impacts of climate change in their home country.

“We came up with the idea to go in all climate zones and try to find the best examples for the environment, for the climate, collect them and go into classrooms and teach … about all these positive solutions,” Schowrer said.

An expert on the impact of climate change in the Alps and an experienced mountaineering guide, Schowrer said the expedition is attempting to circumnavigate both North and South America. But he said the expedition team enjoys sharing their discoveries as much as they enjoy making them.

“It’s just great to see, when you light up these kids’ eyes with all the positive and all the beauty of the planet we have, and that fills up our batteries again,” Schowrer said.

Alaska, he said, has so far proven to be one of their favorite destinations.

“I think the hospitality and the friendliness of the people is just outstanding,” Schowrer said.

The expedition first made landfall in Cordova after sailing from Hawaii, and Schowrer said the community still holds a special place in his heart.

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